The Rise of Merlin

VALIANT (1)

It seems like forever, but here's the next chapter. I hope you enjoy it! Comment if you want. Hopefully I won't take as long for the next chapter :)

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In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young girl. Her name: Merlin.

The next day found Merlin following Arthur down to the castle ramparts while struggling with the armour that he had her wear. She had gotten odd looks from those that they passed on their way, and she wondered whether it was due to the armour she had on or the long sword that she was holding away from her. Her and sharp objects just don't mix well.

Merlin still found Arthur's request odd and wondered whether this was normal or if he was just trying to punish her. It wasn't like she meant to oversleep and forget to prepare Arthur for the day. Merlin was new to being a servant and she was only given a day to learn about her new responsibilities. Did Arthur really expect her to become an expert in just one day?

The only upside was that he at least allowed her to change into her trousers and tunic as it would have been uncomfortable to be in a dress while wearing armour. However, she still felt apprehensive for what was to come since she wasn't sure what they were going to be doing. She didn't like that Arthur refused to answer any of her questions.

"Is this really necessary?" Merlin asked the prince, who smirked at her when she tripped from the unfamiliar weight.

"The tournament is tomorrow, and I need to train if I want to win. Not that I don't think I will, mind you." Merlin found it just as amusing as she did annoying in how sure of himself Arthur was.

"That I understand," she said, huffing in frustration when Arthur made her carry his sword and shield. "What I don't understand is why you made me dress like this." She gestured to herself as much as she could while trying not to drop anything.

"Hey!" she cried out in shock, stumbling when Arthur stopped suddenly and turned to face her.

"Watch where you're going," Arthur growled while reaching out to steady her.

"You're the one who stopped with no warning what so ever, and how do you expect me to see anything out of this helmet you had me wear for no apparent reason?" Merlin pointed aggressively towards the aforementioned helmet and immediately regretted it when the shield and swords she was holding threatened to tip over and fall from her arms.

Rather than respond, Arthur looked around before nodding and said, "This seems like a good spot."

"Right," Merlin drew out, looking down at the hand that was resting on her arm and rose a brow when Arthur realized that he was still touching her and withdrew his hand back as if he had just been burnt. She looked upwards, wishing for patience, before turning in circles to take in her surroundings while asking, "And why are we here?"

"I told you, we're here to train. You can put that down for now." Arthur gestured to the pile that was in Merlin's arms and while still taking in the scenery Merlin let everything fall onto the floor. "Are you mad!" Arthur exclaimed while throwing his hands up in disbelief. "Why did you do that for?"

Merlin's brows furrowed in confusion and pointed down at the pile and said, "You told me to put it down."

Arthur stared at her, openmouthed before scowling. "And tell me Merlin, where in all of that did I tell you to throw everything onto the ground."